The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Been Hearing About Keys Locked In Vehicle

How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle Locking keys in the car is a common event, and can leave you with an anxious feeling. This is a scenario that you can deal with. There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, which includes storing spare keys somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which covers breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on their way. Locking the Doors It's an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys inside your car. If you're lucky you have you have a family member or a friend who is close enough to open the car door without causing damage. If not, it can still be relatively simple to gain access back to your vehicle using the proper tools. It depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of locks fitted to it. For example, if your vehicle has manual locks rather than sensors, you could use a thin rod or wire to open the doors. You can use a coathanger wire bent into a lasso-like shape or, in newer automobiles, the rod that is built into your key fob. A lot of hardware stores sell “lock picking” sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors. To apply this method, you have to identify where the “unlock” switch is located. It could be on the key fob, or it could be on a panel in the front of the car that's visible from the windshield. Once you've got this information then you can make use of the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car door and its frame or window. Then you can enter the gap and press the button to unlock the door. Make sure that your door locks are equipped with a release lever that you can press to open them. Some modern vehicles have them in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the seats. You could also try the emergency release tab, which folds down the seat to allow you to crawl into the trunk to take your keys. If none of these solutions work, you'll have to seek out help. You can ask a friend to help you, provided they own the same car as you do. Or you can ask your auto dealer to make a new key for you. You can purchase a new key for less than if you hired a locksmith. Locking the Trunk Locking the trunk of your car is a bad option unless you want to store valuables. While it is ideal to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, it also hinders opening the trunk without your key fob. But, you can work around this issue by placing a spare key in the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. how to unlock your car is not foolproof but it is simple for thieves to locate, but it may help keep them from trying to open your trunk in the first place. Modern automobiles have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob will be able to open the trunk. Many manufacturers have put the lever for opening the trunk in the cabin or on the back seat to safeguard your valuables. You can still save money if employ a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith. You can try to open your trunk by using a wire hanger. But, you must be cautious not to damage the paint. You'll need bend the hanger at one end so that it forms hooks. Then, place the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. You will know you have the right button or lever when you feel a sting. If you have access to the cab of your car, you may also push a button located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. However, this is not a 100% secure method since it is possible for thieves to look at the button and know that you have your valuables in the trunk. Another method is to use the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy method to accomplish this, but it only works when your car isn't fully charged and you hear the door locks click when you press them. The engine may also need to be running in order to activate the latch. Checking the Battery It is possible that your key fob battery is dead if you are unable to unlock the door by any of the methods listed above. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver's door when it is locked. This is often a separate key that came with the car, or it can be located in the center console or in the glove compartment. The most common reason why a car key doesn't engage in the ignition is due to an obstruction in the lock's cylinder. Dirt or grime, as well as other debris could cause this problem. It prevents the pins from dropping properly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are excellent tools to find any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you are careful you can get rid of the debris and make sure your key will work when you require it. Another issue that can cause a car key not to turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this case, it is likely that the lock cylinder is damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be a costly fix, however there are solutions to temporarily fix the problem. For example, you can make use of a wire hanger to take off a small portion of trim from the door handle or on the panel on which the key cylinder can be situated. This method is not recommended for those who are new to DIY projects. It isn't easy and may cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you should ensure that your car is completely turned off before beginning any work on it. It can be very frustrating to lose your keys in your car. You should remain calm and follow the steps to ensure that you can retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your vehicle. If you can, you should also inquire with your insurance provider to see if key replacement is covered under your policy. Need Help? There are a few things you need to do before calling for help if you've locked your keys in your car. If you have a spare car key home, ask someone to bring it to unlock your car. You won't have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. The second option is to call using a family member's or friend's phone to see if they have the key. Many people keep a spare car key at home or work to help if you've locked yourself out. Third, call roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have special kits to open vehicles and will be capable of opening your vehicle for a fraction of the cost locksmiths would cost. But, they'll require your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to perform this. Contact 911 immediately if you have an emergency and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your location to remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could include using the slim-jim to break a window or open the car door. Locking your car keys inside the vehicle isn't enjoyable, but it could be a minor issue in most cases. These tips can help you avoid being left stranded and prepare a plan for the next time it occurs. Drivers can also take steps to avoid being stuck in their vehicles in the future, like downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping an extra key in a secure location outside the vehicle, for example a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody also recommends that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that includes assistance with locking out, and then contact their car manufacturer to request an alternate key. This will save money over time as the majority of roadside assistance plans provide assistance with lockouts.